Chapter 36

Chapter 38
“What have I really gotten myself into?” Maria questioned herself as cold shivers ran through her spine.
She was not yet over the shock she got from the caller. She stood rooted to the spot trying to make some sense out of what just happened.

By now, she was sure the man had lied about his identity and probably, his position.

Was he even related to Jasmine like he had claimed, were they truly friends. If they were, why did he have to send her to Jasmine, knowing fully well that Jasmine hates her and she too hates Jasmine's guts. He could have just come to do this himself rather than stressing her.

Maria Hall shook her head. There's certainly more to him

Now! I really need to tread with caution, she thought as she rubbed her chin.

Maria soon realized she had been standing at the same spot and knew she had to leave. She returned her phone back into her purse and then took out a scarf, which she wrapped around her head and neck. She didn't want anyone spotting her.

The sun was already setting. The later it gets, the messier it becomes if she happens to get caught.

Maria Hall poked her head one last time to check if the coast was clear. Seeing that no one was there, she snuck out of her hiding and made for the open driveway.

“Hey!” A voice called out from behind. He had watched this woman hide behind one of the King's cars doing God-knows-what
and now she was trying to sneak her way out.
Oh no!, Maria Hall exclaimed under her breath as she increased her pace. She wasn't going to turn back, no matter what
Maria Hall didn't want to take the risk of looking back even though her curiosity was piqued at the mention of her name by this unfamiliar voice. She wondered if it could be Matt and shook her head.
Matt wouldn't be down here when he had other things to do. Matt and Jasmine are hardly ever outside their comfort zone. They'll rather stay up in their room until one important occasion.


Maria walked faster as she could hear the footsteps of the person behind her, closing in on her.

“Stop! I command you in the name of his majesty” He commanded, one of his hands on her shoulder.

Maria halted on her tracks. What was she going to do now? She could either run or just turn and work her magic.

Laughing inwardly she thought, What magic?
Does she still have any of that left? Her magic died a long time ago and that was why she ended up with Jasmine's father, Hall. An ugly frown spread across her face at the thought of that.

She would just lie, she thought after much contemplation. After all, she's pretty good at it.

“Turn around ma'am” he ordered, his hands now at her back, trying to guide her to face him.

Maria Hall stood unmoved. Her heartbeat was louder than the sound of the cars honking and zooming off in the far distance.

“Ma'am!”, he commanded, his voice raised.

“Turn around now or I'll be forced to call the guards,” he threatened. His eyes searched her figure, purse and scarf, trying to figure out who this person was. Could have been a thief but no, it's a lady, he thought. She looks harmless though. She must have been here for a visit.

“How many more of these ladies are we going to keep having here” he murmured, his tone bearing some sort of irritation.

Maria Hall heard him but remained silent. What ladies? She thought.

“Ma'am!!!”

No response.

“Fine! Have it your way” he said in resignation as he let his hands drop from Maria Hall's shoulder.

One more look at the woman in front of him. “Guar-”

Alarmed, Maria Hall spun around. “Please, don't”.

The man wore a satisfying grin on his face as he thought. People do fear guards.

“It's just me” she made to take off the scarf wrapped around her head and neck. “Maria Hall, Jasmine's step mother", she said, panicking.

"What the…" His words trailed off as he wondered why this woman was here again and why they kept letting her in. This lady has done worse than the devil, yet they let her in? He would never really understand why people do the things they do and act the way they act. He shook his head.

Looking at the woman intensely, he had so many questions but before he could ask, Maria Hall was on to him.

“Aren't you…” she paused for a second trying to recollect her thoughts. "... Steve, the driver?"

“Yes, I am ma'am” he replied calmly.

Maria Hall couldn't help herself as she bursted into laughter. What a funny man. A common driver was keeping her on her toes. What the heck! She couldn't believe she had panicked because of Steve. It's really not good to be in guilt, she thought, laughing out loud. If she were not to be guilty of anything, she wouldn't have cowered at his call.

Steve stood surprised as he watched her laugh. Just great!
Another one to look down on him.

He waited for her to be done laughing before proceeding.
“Why were you hiding Mrs. Hall?" he asked, eager to know.

Maria Hall grimaced. “It's Maria to you, I'm no longer a Hall!” she shot back.

“Sorry… So, why were you hiding Miss?”

Maria Hall, who was already running out of patience and didn't want to risk being caught, snapped. “What are you? The King, the Queen or the driver?"

Steve looked at her bewildered. Such guts this woman possesses. I think she needs to be reminded.

“Ma'am, I might be just a driver but I have the right to notify the royal family that I caught you sneaking in and out of the palace”. He looked at her with unhidden distaste.

Then added. “You were supposed to have left the palace a long time ago, but here you are. I'm sure you wouldn't mind explaining to the King and the entire council what it was you were doing in the palace after your supposed visit, for two hours straight."

Maria Hall's face took a different look as she wondered what gave him the guts to speak to her in that manner.

Looking intensely at him. “Is that supposed to be a threat?” she asked

“Call it whatever you like ma'am” Steve replied, turning his back to her. He had gotten enough of this woman's unbridled tongue. He started towards the entrance.

Maria Hall, who wasn't expecting that, knew she had to beg. What is it with her and pleading today? She thought. At this point, she didn't have a choice, either she kept her ego in check and got ready to explain everything to the council or forgot about her ego and begged this miserable man.


“Wait… wait… let's talk this over” she called after him.

“Please, I'm sorry".

Immediately she said those words, she felt her ego crashing into a million pieces. Did she just say she was sorry? What made her do that! An ordinary driver, not even a palace guard or the almighty King Matt.